Delaware Private Lands Assistance Program

Delaware Landowner Incentive Program: Invasive Species Control

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Delaware habitats are constantly being threatened by a variety of invasive species. Invasive species are plants (usually non-native) that are often very aggressive and out-compete and displace native flora and fauna. The Division of Fish & Wildlife provides landowners with technical assistance in controlling these invasive species in areas that directly benefit wildlife.

A variety of Species of Greatest Conservation Need are threatened by invasive species. Some of these are Japanese honeysuckle, mile-a-minute weed, and multiflora rose - all examples of invasive species found in upland habitats that are used by a variety of grassland birds and the Delmarva Fox Squirrel.

Purple loosestrife, reed canary grass, and Phragmites are examples of invasive species that can be found in wetland habitats that are used by Bog Turtles, Tiger Salamanders, and wading birds like the Great Blue Heron. Invasive species control usually consists of using an approved herbicide and controlled burning.